The manufacturing industry has suffered from years of downturns across the country, but that doesn't mean there aren't any career opportunities left for the future. Wisconsin is reportedly one state working to give some high-school age students experience in the manufacturing industry along with diplomas at graduation, according to a recent Milwaukee Journal Sentinel report. According to the newspaper, the "Second Chance" program is designed for students struggling in a traditional high school setting. The students reportedly spend two hours a day in classes and six hours a day working with adults in a local manufacturing plant. The program is reportedly funded by local businesses, private donors, and local school systems, and is billed as a success because 90 percent of participants have graduated so far. Some of the students have reportedly been laid off by a couple of local plants and transferred to new ones before even graduating into the work force. Another state that has recently taken steps to remind students that manufacturing opportunities can be part of their career plans is Massachusetts. While traditional manufacturing jobs have declined considerably in most states, some areas, including Toledo, Ohio, are hoping to find new economic life as sources of parts and equipment for the renewable energy industry.  |